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WA SB6186
Bill
Status
1/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
Judith Warnick
Click for details
AI Summary
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Directs the Washington Department of Social and Health Services to request a federal waiver from USDA to exclude candy and sweetened beverages from SNAP-eligible purchases
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Requires the department to submit the waiver request annually until approved if initially denied
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Defines "candy" as sugar-based preparations with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or flavorings in bars, drops, or pieces that contain no flour and require no refrigeration
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Defines "sweetened beverages" as nonalcoholic drinks with natural or artificial sweeteners, excluding milk-based drinks, beverages over 50% juice, powders/concentrates, infant formula, sports drinks, and medical nutrition products
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Adds new section to chapter 74.04 RCW governing public assistance programs
Legislative Description
Directing the department of social and health services to apply for a waiver from the United States department of agriculture restricting the use of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits from being used to purchase unhealthy foods such as candy and sweetened beverages.
Last Action
Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the Senate Committee on Human Services at 8:00 AM.
2/4/2026